These homemade, cheap meals for $5 dollars and under are a great way to feed your family while keeping your grocery costs down. With rising grocery and food prices, it almost seems like EVERY week, it’s important to find meals and recipes that are affordable for the whole family.
Dinner recipes on a budget
If you’re searching for cheap, healthy dinners, budget family meals, or easy, low-cost dinner recipes, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re trying to cut grocery costs, plan budget-friendly weekly meals, or just need quick dinner inspiration, these meals under $5 for a family of 4 make it easier than ever to stay on track.
Feeding a family on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, nutrition, or variety – I know that when I plan meals and cook for my family, these are all important factors! These cheap meal ideas are designed to help you create satisfying, wholesome dinners using simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have at home.
10 Homemade & Cheap Meals for $5 Dollars and Under
From hearty rice bowls and one-pot pasta dishes to protein-packed meals with chicken, beans, ground beef, and pantry staples, this list focuses on recipes that are both cost-effective and balanced. Each meal uses no more than 8 ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights when time and money are limited.
While we understand that prices for ingredients vary by region, we have tried to keep these meals as close to $5 or less as possible! These five-dollar dinners are ideas, so please take or leave what you wish and make some changes that work for you and your situation.
1. Lentil & Rice Stew
This lentil and rice stew recipe is warm, hearty, and packed with the protein and fiber your family needs for a healthy meal. This budget family meal recipe is provided by goodeatsy.com
Ingredients: Lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, vegetable broth, spices
Estimated Cost: ~$4.50
2. Sausage & Cabbage Skillet Budget Meal
If you need a cheap sausage and cabbage skillet recipe, this is a good one to try! Pair it with a side of rice to make it more filling. Try this budget sausage and cabbage meal idea from Garnish & Glaze.
Ingredients: Smoked sausage, cabbage, onion, garlic, butter, spices
Estimated Cost: ~$5.00 (without the rice)
3. Rice & Beans Power Bowls
While there is no specific recipe listed here, you can prepare these ingredients and place them into bowls for a well-rounded meal for your family. Meals using rice and beans are such a quick and affordable way to eat. Click to read more: Eating Well
Ingredients: Rice, black beans, frozen mixed vegetables, eggs, salsa, oil
Estimated Cost: ~$5 (often under $5 with store brands)
4. Sausage & Potato Soup
With smoked sausage, potatoes, and a few veggies and spices, this soup is easy to make and a filling budget meal.
Ingredients: Smoked sausage, potatoes, onion, carrots, broth, garlic, spices
Estimated Cost: ~$4.75
5. Chicken Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of my go-to, cheap and easy staple meals! Just fry up some cooked rice, veggies, and a little egg, and you’ve got a satisfying meal. Add chicken for an extra kick of protein.
Ingredients: Cooked rice, chicken, eggs, frozen vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, spices
Estimated Cost: ~$5.00
6. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Sliders are really simple to make, and these BBQ chicken sandwiches use shredded chicken and BBQ sauce for a simple entree.
Ingredients: Shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, hamburger buns, cabbage & mayo for slaw (optional)
Estimated Cost: ~$5.00
7. Tuna Pasta
Try making a pasta dish with tuna! The ingredients below can make a creamy, garlicky pasta that your family will love.
Ingredients: Pasta, canned tuna, peas, mayo or oil, garlic, and seasoning
Estimated Cost: ~$4.25
8. Simple Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Growing up, spaghetti was always a staple in our household. A box of noodles and a jar of meat sauce are all you need to get started with this cheap dinner recipe.
Ingredients: Spaghetti noodles, meat sauce, garlic, onion, spices
Estimated Cost: ~$4.00
9. Chicken & Bean Burrito Bowls
Chicken, rice, and black beans with a few other ingredients can make the tastiest protein bowls for dinner!
Ingredients: Chicken, rice, black beans, corn, salsa, onion, spices
Estimated Cost: ~$5.00
10. Easy pot of chili
A pot of chili is such a warm and hearty meal and comes in as a homemade, cheap family meal for $5. If you can, add ground meat and top with shredded cheddar for a little more flavor and protein.
Ingredients: Kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, spices
Estimated Cost: ~$5.00
If you’re meal prepping or cooking for a larger household, these low-cost meals for families can easily be doubled or turned into leftovers for lunch the next day. That means even more savings and less time spent cooking throughout the week.
Cheap Meal Tips to Save Even More Money
Need more ideas to stretch that dollar? You can use these simple strategies to keep your meals consistently under budget while still being filling and nutritious:
- Choose cheaper cuts of meat –Opt for chicken thighs, drumsticks, ground turkey, or sausage instead of pricier cuts.
- Stretch protein with grains and beans – Combine meat with rice, lentils, or beans to make meals go further.
- Buy store brands and bulk staples – Generic rice, pasta, oats, and canned goods are often significantly cheaper.
- Use frozen vegetables – They’re just as nutritious, more affordable, and last longer than fresh produce.
- Plan meals around sales – Build your weekly menu based on what’s discounted at your grocery store.
- Cook once, eat twice – Double recipes and use leftovers for lunches or another dinner.
- Stick to simple recipes – Meals with fewer ingredients are usually cheaper and easier to prepare.
- Limit food waste – Repurpose leftovers into soups, stir-fries, or casseroles.
Try these easy meals for $5
Eating well on a budget is completely doable with the right approach. These cheap meal ideas for families prove that you can create delicious, satisfying dinners without spending a fortune. By focusing on simple ingredients, affordable proteins, and easy cooking methods, you can keep your grocery bill low while still enjoying a variety of meals each week.
Whether you’re feeding a busy household or just trying to save money, these easy budget meals under $5 are a practical and reliable solution. With a little planning and creativity, you’ll find that cheap healthy dinners can become a regular part of your routine—without feeling restrictive or repetitive.
More cheap meal ideas on a budget
- How I Feed My Family On A Budget – $300 A Month for 5!
- 17 Foods and Household Things You Should Buy In Bulk To Save Money
- Quick and Easy Shredded BBQ Chicken Tacos
Subscribe: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube